Grimsby Sea Fish joins campaign after rise in fishing industry deaths
Over winter 7 people lost their lives whilst out on vessels
We can reveal more than 10% of deaths in the fishing industry, over the last decade, happened in just the past 6 months.
Over winter 7 people lost their lives whilst out on vessels.
It's lead to a new campaign, backed by Grimsby industry support organisation, Sea Fish.
Head of Safety and Training Simon Potten hopes it'll save lives.
"Whether its friends, relatives, husbands, it’s tragic when it happens.
"It’s heart-breaking for those involved and we want to eliminate all preventable fatalities in this important fishing industry."
He said working at sea is tough work and physically demanding.
"It’s long hours and inevitably over the course of a fishing trip, crew on that vessel will become fatigued.
"With fatigue comes an increased likelihood of accidents happening.
"It’s usually a combination of factors that result in someone either being dragged overboard by the fishing gear, knocked overboard by moving parts on the fishing vessel or slipping and falling over the side."
Over the last 10 years (2011 to 2020), the Marine Accident Investigation Branch reported 60 fatalities from UK fishing vessels.
51 of those ended up in water.
25 deaths were recorded as man overboard incidents.
The highest number of fatalities is on vessels under 15 metres.
The Fishing Industry Safety Group is now launching its latest Home and Dry campaign focused on prevention of man overboard incidents.
It's looking to remind those who work on fishing vessels to take three simple steps:
- Complete a written risk assessment and review regularly
- Practise Man Overboard drills regularly
- Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on deck for if the worst happens